Skin graft devices and methods

Abstract

Devices and methods for obtaining a plurality of skin tissue particles for use in skin grafting.

We claim: 
     
       1. A device for obtaining a plurality of skin tissue particles, the device comprising:
 a first portion having a conical end and a cylindrical end coupled to a base of the conical end and an aperture in an apex of the conical end, the first portion having a flow path through the first portion from the aperture to the cylindrical end, the aperture configured to be coupled to a low pressure source; 
 a second portion having a first end configured to be coupled to the cylindrical end of the first portion to form a cavity, the second portion being cylindrical and having a second end that is closed, the second portion being separable from the first portion; 
 a plurality of needles coupled to the second end of the second portion, each of the plurality of needles being hollow and in fluid communication with the aperture when the second portion is coupled to the first portion; and 
 a dressing configured to be disposed in the cavity and in fluid communication with the aperture and the plurality of needles. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of needles is tapered, an end of each needle proximate to the second end of the second portion being larger than a distal end. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a seal coupled to the second portion, the seal surrounding the plurality of needles. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion further comprises a surface extending across the cylindrical end, the surface having a plurality of apertures. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 4 , wherein the cavity is formed between the surface extending across the cylindrical end of the first portion and the second end of the second portion. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical end of the first portion has an outer diameter, the second portion has an outer diameter, and the outer diameter of the first portion is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the second portion. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 6 , wherein the second portion further comprises an annular tab having an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the second portion to form an annular shoulder, the annular shoulder configured to receive the cylindrical end of the first portion.